Kelly Hu lacing it up for ocean awareness

Even the most glamorous person is likely to show signs of wear around mile 22 of a marathon. But it doesn't look like that will happen to actress Kelly Hu.

The former Miss Hawaii was in town last week to shoot an episode of NBC's "Las Vegas," and decided to use her time on Oahu to promote her entry into the Honolulu Marathon Dec. 10. She's running to help raise funds for one of her favorite charities.

"Running a marathon was on my list of things to do before I die," said Hu. "And what better way to make myself do it than to get all of this publicity behind it?"

On Dec. 11, the day after the marathon, she will participate in a celebrity-packed fundraiser for Reef Check Hawaii at the Sheraton Waikiki. Reef Check is a global organization that helps educate the public and monitor the health of ocean reefs. VIP attendees at the event will meet her, and some ambitious contributors will get a chance to run the marathon with her.

"I wanted to do something, particularly for Hawaii, and I've always been sort of worried about the environment in general," she said. "Coming from Hawaii, you grow up with an appreciation of the ocean."

The former martial arts expert recently earned her scuba certification. But is she a runner?

"I am now!" she chuckled. Her goal is to "finish some time before the benefit the following day." Even though she knows she might have trouble walking that night, she is excited about the opportunity to help an organization she discovered while hosting the Kelly Slater Surf Invitational in Fiji for the Outdoor Life Network about three years ago.

"In my 20s it was all about me and trying to make it," said the 38-year-old Hu. "Now I really think it's my responsibility to bring attention to certain charities. It's the least we can do."